Travertine Vs. Ceramic Flooring

Cost

• For many homeowners, cost is the deciding factor when selecting tile. Ceramic is considered a budget tile. Although there are many different price points, ceramic is always less expensive than travertine. Porcelain, which is a type of higher-end ceramic tile, has a higher cost and more durability. Travertine is considered by tile manufacturers to be a mid-point material as it is not as costly as other stone products.

Appearance

• As a natural product, travertine has a warmer appearance than ceramic, which is considered cold by some interior designers. Travertine is available in two types: tumbled and honed. Tumbled travertine retains more of its original state, making it more rustic and grainy. Honed travertine is polished to a smooth finish, and color is limited. Most tiles come in earth tones of gold, beige and red. The amount and distribution of iron in travertine determines its color. Although some ceramic is manufactured to look like stone, it is available in an unlimited number of colors and produces an infinite number of combinations and patterns. Ceramic is available in glazed and matte finishes.

Applications

• Both travertine and ceramic may be installed almost anywhere thanks to high durability, although ceramic is seldom used for outdoor installations. As a softer stone, travertine is porous and sensitive to spills from acidic substances such as juice, wine, coffee, ketchup and similar liquids, thus it is not used as frequently in kitchens unless it is polished and sealed. Travertine needs periodic sealing, however, to not only avoid staining, but also to prevent dirt from becoming embedded into the stone’s natural pits. Ceramic is highly water resistant, so it is ideal for bathrooms, mudrooms and similar areas.

Maintenance

• Ceramic cleans easily with mild detergent, water and a mop. Travertine daily care is roughly the same; however, because of its porous nature, spills should be wiped up and the area cleaned as soon as possible. Periodic deep cleaning, along with the aforementioned sealing, is required to maintain optimal appearance. Ceramic is prone to chipping and, when this occurs, tiles should be replaced. With proper care, though, travertine often outperforms ceramic as chips and dents can be repaired through buffing and polishing.